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Applied Behavior Analysis

M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis

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  • Dallas, TX
  • Full-Time
  • 2 years

The M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program prepares students for a rewarding career in the growing field of Applied Behavior Analysis by incorporating the content areas and practicum requirements for eligibility to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®). Specifically, this program can help those currently working as behavior technicians or associate-level behavior analysts to take the next step in their careers by preparing them for BCBA® certification.

Graduates serve many different populations including children, adults, and seniors. Specific individuals with whom graduates will work may have no diagnoses (e.g., school children in a general education classes or teachers seeking to be more effective) or may have diagnoses such as autism, developmental disabilities, or mental illness. Additionally, graduates will be prepared to work in a variety of professional settings, including:

  • Organizations
  • Residential centers
  • Schools
  • Community-based settings

M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): Dallas Student Experience

With unique opportunities for professional training and community service, Dallas boasts the largest urban arts district in the country and offers a range of entertainment options for students to explore, including hundreds of museums, public galleries, community theaters, and music venues.

Expanding on the success of the Chicago, Los Angeles, Anaheim, and Washington, D.C., campuses, the Dallas Campus reflects The Chicago School of Professional Psychology’s commitment to diversity and its efforts to expand services to multicultural and underserved communities.

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Measurement and Design in Behavior Analysis

This course addresses the measurement of behavior, data display, interpretation of data, and experimental design. Aspects of measurement including behavior definition, measureable dimensions of behavior, measurement systems and their selection, and data collection, graphing, and interpretation will be covered. Students will learn how to evaluate the validity and reliability of measurement procedures including interobserver agreement, social validity, and treatment integrity. This course also covers the uses and defining features of single-subject experimental designs as well as their advantages and limitations.

Behavior Assessment

In this course, students learn to determine the need for behavior analytic services, conduct and interpret the results of behavioral assessments, identify common functions of problem behavior, and create socially meaningful behavior change goals. Assessments of relevant skill strengths and deficits, preference assessments, as well as indirect and descriptive assessment, and functional analysis of problem behavior will be examined.

Graduation from the M.A. Applied Behavior Analysis Program in conjunction with BCBA® certification aligns with degree and certification requirements for professional licensure in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Connecticut, Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.

Graduation from the M.A. Applied Behavior Analysis program aligns with degree requirements for professional licensure in Arizona, Massachusetts, and New York. Note that candidates for licensure may be required to meet additional state requirements such as an application, examination, and background check.

A professional license is not required to practice behavior analysis in Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, West Virginia, and Wyoming, as well as Washington, D.C. State laws on professional licensure are subject to change by their legislatures.

Within core coursework students are required to complete six credits of practicum. Practicum courses are designed to meet the requirements of the BACB®.

Application to The Chicago School of Professional Psychology’s M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis program is open to any person who has earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and who meets other entrance requirements. Applicants will be judged on their overall ability to do graduate work. Factors that are considered in admission are: GPA from undergraduate and any graduate schools, successful work history after completion of the baccalaureate degree, the admission essay, and letters of recommendation from academic professors or professional or volunteer experience supervisors. Generally, an undergraduate GPA of a 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale is required for admission. Applicants must submit official transcripts from all schools where a degree was earned. Also, it is recommended that transcripts are submitted from all schools where any credit was received to enhance their applications.

  • Applicants must submit official transcripts from all schools where a degree was earned. The Chicago School requires that all schools be regionally accredited higher education institutions.
  • Resume or curriculum vitae
  • Admission essays
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Essay – Please answer the following question within three double spaced typed pages (approximately 500-750 words). Essay must specifically address the program/specialization for which you are applying.
    • Psychology is a vast discipline with many career options. In an essay format, please describe:
      • Why you chose this particular program/specialization * Cite specific experiences and examples.
      • Why it is important to you to study this discipline at a school that emphasizes cultural awareness, competence, and understanding of diversity.
      • Your professional career goals as they relate to this specialization.
      • Why you believe this program will assist you in reaching these goals.
  • $50.00 (USD) application fee

The Chicago School is dedicated to keeping our professional degree programs accessible to anyone regardless of financial status. In addition to the scholarships that may be available, our Financial Aid Department will help provide you with information to determine what financial arrangements are right for you.

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The Association for Behavior Analysis International has verified the following courses toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® examination. Applicants will need to meet additional requirements before they can be deemed eligible to take the examination.

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